Comparison of Michael Henchard and Okonkwo.
Freya Ollerearnshaw Comparison of Michael Henchard and Okonkwo In this essay I shall be comparing the characters of Michael Henchard, from the 'Mayor of Casterbridge' by Thomas Hardy, and Okonkwo, from 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe. I will compare and contrast the similarities and differences in each man's character, position in their community and the major challenges they both face as their stories advance. I will also give an account of their weakness and strengths and their response to the changes in their environment. At the beginning of Chapter 3 in the 'Mayor of Casterbridge', we discover that Henchard has the leading office of Mayor. Christopher Coney describes Henchard's position by saying, "He's the powerfulest member of the town council and quite a principal man in the country round besides... He worked his way up from nothing and now he's a pillar of the town." This very fact tells us a lot about Henchard's character, that he came to Casterbridge as a simple hay-trusser and managed to build up and maintain a successful business, gain a well-known and trusted reputation and rise to such a powerful position, despite his disreputable past. To do this Henchard would have had to have been determined, extremely hardworking and ambitious to make a better life for himself. Most of Henchard's achievement was due to the oath he swore straight after selling his
How Far Is Michael Henchard Responsible For His Own Ruin? , Do You Feel He Can Usefully Be Described As A Tragic Hero?
How Far Is Michael Henchard Responsible For His Own Ruin? , Do You Feel He Can Usefully Be Described As A Tragic Hero? Aristotle described a tragic hero as someone who has a fatal flaw that bring about ruin along with matters that are out of their own control. An example of this is Macbeth in the play written by Shakespeare where he gets himself into a position of eminence through sins but cannot stop his fate as it is left out of his control. The same can be said for Michael Henchard. We meet Michael Henchard first as a young hay trusser walking along the road leading to Weydon Priors with his wife and daughter. It soon occurs to the reader that there is some tension between husband and wife, underlined when Hardy describes, "she had no idea of taking his arm, nor he offering it". I believe that this shows that Michael Henchard sees his wife as obligatory and is holding him back from making something of his life. The next significant part in the story is in the ferimity tent of the village fare. This helps underline a drink problem with Henchard that later in life helps catapult Henchard to his downfall. Michael Henchard believes if he did not have to look after his wife and child he would be "worth a thousand pound". This is merely an observation and many at this part in the story would not have believed him, but as we later find out this observation turns into the
Analyse the change in character of Michael Henchard throughout the novel, the Mayor of Casterbridge
Two Sides of the Same Coin Analyse the change in character of Michael Henchard throughout the novel, the Mayor of Casterbridge Through the entire novel Michael Henchard, his municipal office providing the book's eponymous title, portrays a persistent fluctuation of character. At a glance, we see that he is driven by rage and impetuosity yet; his harsh exploitations uncover a fountain of love deep within his body. This does not only resemble his ambivalence, but also reinforces the fact that the Mayor of Casterbridge's actions have either been fuelled by ambition or just led by fate. Right from the beginning, Thomas Hardy suggests that his tale will revolve around one central character, as he subtitles his book: "The Life and Death of a Man of Character." Yet, in this vast world, Henchard, a mere drop in the ocean, has been singled out and conspired against by providence. In what some say as the prologue of the novel, chapters one and two feature the first twist in Henchard's life. The Furmity Scene sees the selling of Susan Henchard to a "sailor, who was unobserved by the rest." This is therefore, the first sign of impulsiveness, which overcomes Henchard. It can also be concluded that his fate had turned sour because the auction was about to end fruitlessly until, at the very last moment, Mr. Newson, by chance had entered the tent "within the last two or three
How does Thomas Hardy control the reader's response to Donald Farfrae in 'The Mayor of Casterbridge?'
How does Thomas Hardy control the reader's response to Donald Farfrae in 'The Mayor of Casterbridge?' Throughout the novel 'The Mayor of Casterbridge', Thomas Hardy successfully engages the reader in the character of Donald Farfrae. Hardy uses subtle sentences that sway the reader's view of the character with great effectiveness. Farfrae does some terrible things, but he cannot be held totally responsible for his actions, as he does not knowingly cause turmoil. Consequently, the reader cannot have a detestation of Farfrae who is an entrepreneur and has a great logical mind. However, he is outstandingly naïve when it comes to issues involving human relationships, and he makes awful decisions concerning women. In this essay I hope to give sufficient evidence to back up my theories. The first time the reader encounters Donald Farfrae, it is through Elizabeth-Jane's eyes. She describes the stranger with curiosity and attraction; ...a young man of remarkably pleasant aspect, who carried in his hand a carpet-bag of the smart floral pattern prevalent in such articles at that time. He was ruddy and of fair countenance, bright-eyes and Slight in build The reader shares Elizabeth-Jane's thoughts and wants to know more about this intriguing new arrival. Having seen Donald Farfrae for only a few moments, Elizabeth-Jane seems to be instantly attracted. Donald goes on to help
the mayor of casterbridge
Pre-1914 Prose Thomas Hardy: The Mayor of Casterbridge Demonstrate how, in the first two chapters of The Mayor of Casterbridge, Hardy presents a powerful image of a central character against a vivid background of early 19th Century rural England. The book is set in the summer of around 1830, we know this because "before the 19th century had reached one-third of its span." As it was set in the 1830's the landscape would have been very different from today. This is demonstrated from the start of the book. Michael and Susan Henchard are "plainly but not ill clad" This tells us that they are not badly off. On the other hand they are covered in a "thick hoar of dust" telling us that the roads are unpaved. This also implies that although the Henchards are not badly off they cannot afford transport indicating that it is still expensive at this time. Henchard is described as "of fine figure, swarthy, and stern in aspect." His clothing is old fashioned "short jacket of brown corduroy" and a "waistcoat with white horn buttons." He is described as a "skilled countryman" and a "general labourer." symbolises that this could be any man, or could relate to the reader in some way and makes the reader look at this character from a different angle as if we might know him rather than seeing him as Henchard. Until the 6th page, 3rd paragraph, Michael is referred to as, amongst other things,
Comparison between Michael Henchard and Okonkwo
Julia Cloke Comparison between Michael Henchard and Okonkwo This will be a direct comparison between the two leading characters in the books 'Things Fall Apart', written by Chinua Achebe and 'The Major of Casterbridge', written by Thomas Hardy. I will compare and contrast both the differences and similarities in the personalities of the Nineteenth Century major and the more contemporary trial leader. Okonkwo is more contemporary because the book is set in a very traditional African village, and has basic, moral issues associated with it. At the beginning of Chapter Five in 'The Major of Casterbridge' we meet a man of distinct wealth and power, shown through the highly prestigious title that he has earned. It is of course Michael Henchard, newly elected Major of the corn-merchant town, Casterbridge. He is at the height of his success through his profiting business, and has earned the respect of fellow colleges through his perseverance of power. Okonkwo, a tribal elder, also earned his respect through his own successes. From the very first page we hear about his youthful triumph in the wrestling ring by, 'throwing Amalinze the Cat.' 'His fame rested on solid personal achievements,' and from that moment on he built up his possessions and power through the Obi that he owned. The Obi, in war and in farming was among the trappings of success. In both books we also learn about
The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy. Henchard - Well -Meaning Villain or Tragic Hero?
Henchard - Well -Meaning Villain or Tragic Hero? In the novel 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' by Thomas Hardy, the main character Michael Henchard earns the contempt of many readers due to his strict, arrogant and sometimes cruel and callous nature. But is it right to hold this against him? Does he really deserve all he got? Or should we perhaps feel some sympathy towards him? After all, the disastrous incidents he endures in this book are surely not worthy of anyone, simply due to the fact they may have a negative attitude at times? In some ways, Henchard could be thought of as a 'well-meaning villain,' one who has no principal morals but no particular desire to be heartless or hurtful either. There are some incidents in the story that would suggest a villainous side to Henchard, especially at the beginning and in the closing stages of the book, where his alcoholism gets the better of him and he becomes hotheaded and violent. Instances such as the sale of his wife Susan and baby daughter Elizabeth-Jane to Richard Newson, a complete stranger, at Weydon-Priors Fair, and his drink-inspired fight with Donald Farfrae - who was once his friend - in the granary convey this idea. However, Henchard also has many negative features that are simply part of his personality, which he finds difficult to curb even when he is sober. He is naturally quick to form opinions and agree or object to
The Mayor of Casterbridge | Characters
The Mayor of Casterbridge | Characters Donald Farfrae A young Scot who arrives in Casterbridge at about the same time as Susan and Elizabeth-Jane, Donald Farfrae becomes Michael Henchard's business manager. He quickly becomes Henchard's only trusted friend and, later, his adversary in both business and love. Hardy draws Farfrae as Henchard's counterpart in every way. He is physically small, polite and charming, careful and controlled, forward thinking, and methodical. Whereas Henchard propels his fate through moments of rash behavior, Farfrae is cool and calculating in all he does. Although his personality is friendly and engaging, Farfrae maintains a certain detachment from people and events, always considering the possible consequences of his decisions and actions before he makes them. As a result, his path through life is as smooth as Henchard's is rough. Farfrae initiates a relationship with Henchard by providing information that is a great help to Henchard in solving a business problem and by refusing Henchard's offer of payment for the information. Henchard is so grateful and impressed that he talks Farfrae into abandoning his plans to go to America and convinces him to take a job as Henchard's business manager. Because Farfrae is more organized and methodical than Henchard, the business prospers under his management. Farfrae is ambitious enough to eventually go
The Mayor of Casterbridge - Discussing Henchard's personality, and the reasons for his success and his deterioration in life.
The Mayor of Casterbridge Tahsin Pak 26th June 2004 Introduction Michael Henchard begins the novel by entering Casterbridge 'with the walk of a skilled countryman'. He starts his life at badly, as he sells his wife to a young gentle sailor called Newson. His impression changes, as he becomes a wealthy corn merchant and the Mayor of Casterbridge. 25 years later, he ends up with his life in tatters, and eventually dying alone. In this coursework, I will be discussing Henchard's personality, and the reasons for his success and his deterioration in life. Also, I will describe the society which the people live in, emphasising the main reason why the society of 'Weydon-Priors and 'Casterbridge' are so quite and money driven. Main Body The society in 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' is very old-fashioned and stereotypical in certain aspects of the book. The Mayor of Casterbridge begins with Henchard, auctioning off his wife to a sailor. This verifies that in early nineteenth-century England, women of her class in rural districts were regarded as little more than stock to be disposed of at their owners' liking, such sales were not uncommon. The importance of a solid reputation and character is rather obvious given Henchard's situation, for Henchard has little else besides his name. He arrives in Casterbridge with nothing more than tools of
Mayor of Casterbridge
Thomas Hardy wrote the tragic novel The Mayor of Casterbrige (1886), setting it in the fictional town Casterbridge which was based on his childhood town Dorchester. Hardy's novel explores the life of a rural hay-trusser, Michael Henchard and his rise and fall in Casterbridge. It was set in 1846, before the Corn Laws, when England was experiencing scientific and technical advancement and new ways of working. In addition, social values were also changing. Hardy is well known for his very pictorial descriptions and was a writer in the realist/naturalist tradition and used real places in Dorchester to describe rural Casterbrige. The functions of Hardy's descriptive language creates a vivid picture; illustrates and reflects the personality of the characters concerned; creates a strong sense of atmosphere often using pathetic fallacy and gives a sense of social history. Throughout the novel, Hardy describes many exterior settings such as Casterbridge and its surrounding area including Weydon Priors, The Ring and the market-place. Interior settings include Henchard and Lucetta's home and the three public houses, the King's Arms, the Three Mariners and Peter's Finger. What would the modern reader think about the vivid descriptions Hardy creates that contribute greatly to the novel? When Casterbridge is first introduced, it is described as being an isolated old-fashioned agricultural